The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has denied allegations that its operatives assaulted or illegally detained staff of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital during an incident at the facility on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
The commission said its operatives from the Uyo Zonal Directorate were at the hospital for an administrative assignment linked to the authentication of a document, and not for an arrest operation.
In a clarification issued following public reaction to the incident, the EFCC said no arrests were made during the visit.
It also said hospital staff who accompanied its operatives to the Uyo Zonal Command were not detained.
The commission said reports suggesting that its personnel brutalised hospital workers were disturbing, adding that it had not seen physical evidence of bodily harm or injury to anyone involved.
Despite denying the allegations, the EFCC said it had ordered an investigation into the incident.
It warned that any of its officers found to have breached the agency’s Standard Operating Procedure would face appropriate sanctions.
“The Commission as a responsible organisation, has ordered an investigation into the incident,” the EFCC said.
It added that “any staff of the Commission found to have deviated from the Standard Operating Procedure of the Agency will not be spared.”
The clarification comes amid outrage from medical and legal groups over the alleged invasion of the hospital and reported assault on medical personnel.
The Nigerian Bar Association, Uyo Branch, and medical stakeholders had condemned the incident, describing it as unacceptable.
The EFCC, however, said the May 12 incident was an aberration and should not be exploited to undermine the fight against corruption.
The commission said it recognised the rights of every Nigerian and would continue to carry out its mandate without encroaching on the rights of citizens.
